What is sustainable tourism?
Sustainable tourism describes a particular type of tourism, which is future-oriented. The specific term focuses on these three main goals: environmental protection, supporting the growth of the local economy and valuing the needs and traditions of the local people. Following these three goals will help to protect popular holiday destinations through sustainable tourism instead of damaging them. If the three goals aren’t correctly implemented, for example the value and respect of the local culture, then the sustainable tourism model will not be equally balanced out. This can then have an impact on the environment or local cultures and traditions in the local region.
An overview of the main sustainable tourism goals
Ecological goal: sustainable tourism supports environmental and climate protection. The focus is to have little to no impact on nature: Natural resources need to be used more sparingly, such as water. Not only do we need to protect the earth’s natural resources, but we also need to protect the agriculture and safeguard our animals and plants. Therefore, reducing plastic waste and rubbish are very important factors for this goal.
Economic goal: the profits made from sustainable tourism are distributed as fairly as possible so that local businesses can profit from them. Doing so can help to secure jobs and improve the infrastructure in the local region. Fair financing is a good approach to help support the prosperity of the local population as it also ensures a new way of thinking in the long-term.
Socio-cultural goal: sustainable tourism strives not to put the tourist’s needs above the needs of the local population. It is important to be respectful of the local culture and traditions, such as wearing appropriate clothing and supporting fair living conditions. Fair wages and working hours are good examples of how this can lead to a better standard of living for the local population.
